USA imposes sanctions against Georgian citizens over “undemocratic laws”
Illustrative photo. Source: georgiaembassyusa.org
More than 60 Georgian citizens, including representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, have been placed under U.S. personal sanctions. The relevant statement by Secretary of State Antony Blinken was published on the official website of the U.S. government on September 16.
It is noted that the U.S. is imposing a broad array of sanctions against several officials in the Georgian government. The State Department is also taking additional steps to introduce visa restrictions on more than 60 Georgian citizens and their family members, "responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Georgia."
Among these individuals are members of parliament "who played a critical role in advancing undemocratic legislation and restricting civil society".
Georgia's ruling party linked the sanctions to the upcoming parliamentary elections, calling them "interference in the electoral process".
As reported by the UOJ, the Georgian parliament unanimously passed a law banning "LGBT propaganda" in Georgia, which the EU urged to be revoked.
Read also
DESS responds to statements by UOC lawyers
Yelensky’s agency claimed that the UOC’s lawyers are “discrediting” Ukraine’s leadership and spreading “disinformation.”
Lawyers collect statements from faithful to defend Kyiv Metropolia in court
UOC lawyers have prepared a procedure enabling clergy and laypeople to take part in the court proceedings over the DESS lawsuit.
UOC faithful make pilgrimage to Georgia’s holy sites
The pilgrims visited churches and monasteries in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kutaisi, and at the foot of Mount Kazbek.
Bulgarian Church Synod condemns suspended cleric's slander against Patriarch
The Holy Synod spoke out against the politicization of religion and the cleric's attempts to portray himself as a "victim."
UOC faithful hold religious procession to monastery in Zakarpattia
Pilgrims from Irshava visited the Dubrivka Monastery and churches in the villages of Bilky and Pryborzhavske.
Turkey begins installing protective covering over Hagia Sophia's dome
A temporary covering will be installed to preserve the structures, mosaics, and ensure workers' safety during the cathedral restoration.